“What are the side effects of radioimmunotherapy?”

Be careful with blood counts and kidney functions deteriorate during tumor break down.

Typical side effects are lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sometimes skin rash.

Radioimmunotherapy is a combination of radiation and Immunotherapy. The rationale for this coupling is to utilize an antibody labeled with the radioactive source/treatment to execute targeted delivery of radiation therapy to the disease site. Given the higher specificity of the treatment, the side effects are generally less pronounced than chemotherapy. The most common side effects of radioimmunotherapy include decrease in blood counts, i.e., white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets etc., resulting in possible infections accompanied by fever and chills, anemia, bleeding. Other side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin rashes can also occur and are usually diffuse but not pruritic in nature. It should be noted that, as with any agent administered, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. Prior to the initiation of treatment, your friend's radiation oncologist should provide a detailed explanation of the course of treatment, duration, and side effects.
I hope that the explanation herein will be helpful in both informing and prompting important discussions to enter with your friend’s radiation oncology team.

Best regards,

Dr. EB